21-year-old Sweeney, a former AFC Wimbledon defender who joined Stoke for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2016, spent the last two seasons on loan with Bristol Rovers, notching over forty first-team appearances.
Saddlers boss Dean Keates, who currently has just one fit central defender to select from, is said to be working hard to add players to his squad before Saturday afternoon's season-opening clash with Plymouth Argyle, with the gaffer looking set to seek several loan players after failing to land any permanent signings for several weeks.
Whilst there has been no confirmation Keates was hoping to sign Sweeney, who was involved in the challenge which resulted in Kory Roberts suffering a double leg fracture during the recent pre-season clash between the Saddlers and Potters, it does close the door on another potential signing ahead of the season-opener.
Recent interviews suggest Keates is increasingly frustrated with the club's wage cap as he continues to miss out on potential signings with many other managers being able to offer far better wages, leaving the gaffer with little option but to seek temporary signings to fill the void.
Hearing Mansfield are interested in signing defender Ryan Sweeney on loan from Stoke.— Leigh Curtis (@LeighCurtis_NP) August 2, 2018